AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“I’ll change my schedule around.”
“This is something I want to do myself.”
He gave me a hard look then nodded. “I look forward to seeing her again.”
I thought about what the night would bring and smiled. “So do I, my friend. So do I.”
CHAPTER11
Arman
My father was still attempting to conduct business from his home during the middle of the renovation, his office off limits to the dozens of construction workers. There was no chance our conversation could be heard given the man’s insistence on soundproofing. After walking in, I closed the door behind me, finding the two men already engaged in a lively conversation.
Meanwhile, I couldn’t get the ugly scenario out of my mind.
“No, I disagree with you, Pops,” Francois insisted as he flopped down on the couch, a cup of coffee in his hand. “The Saints will win this year. Hands down. They’re primed and ready.”
Football.
The two of them had that in common, a love of the game that provided endless hours of cheering or grumbling in front of one of their big screen televisions. I couldn’t care less, but the banter between them always brought a smile to my face, a reminder that we were a family after all.
“Ils n’ont pas de jeu,” Father’s voice boomed and all I could do was smile. The term ‘they have no game’ was one he used far too often when he disagreed. How many times had I been told that as a child? It was meant to be derogatory, but I’d found it more of a term of endearment.
“Hogwash, Pops. Open your eyes. You ready to put your money where your mouth is?” Francois pushed.
“How much?”
“A cool two G’s.” My brother grinned after making the suggestion.
My mother would have a fit if Pops so much as dared bet that much on a single game. I remained where I was and all I could do was shake my head.
“Three,” Pops said, upping the ante. In his hand was a Bloody Mary. He always had one to start the day, telling me that the hair of the dog was good for every man.
Francois lifted his eyebrows then nodded just once. “You’re on.”
I whistled, making my presence known for a second time. “Maybe I should purchase the Saints instead of the baseball team I’m looking at.”
“You’re still considering purchasing an entire freaking team?” Francois chastised, snorting after asking the question.
“Why not? Remember Pops has always told us to diversify.”
“They’re losers.”
“You’re late,” Pops said without looking at me, ignoring our banter.
“By five minutes, Pops.” I moved to one of the massive leather chairs, taking my usual seat. “And the odds are in the Saints’ favor but four to one, Pops. Careful what you bet on.”
“Don’t tell your mother,” he said, although it was more of a snarl. “And you know I can’t stand tardiness.”
It was one of his many rules, one that I’d always had difficulty following, which had resulted in being on the receiving end of his harsh punishment many times.
I winked at my brother. “Understood. However, I’m an adult and certain aspects of my life interfere. Now that you two have had your daily sparring incident, let’s get down to business. I have a full day planned. First things first. Has there been any development with Louie and the threat made? Any idea who did it?”
Francois shook his head. “I talked to him earlier. It was a single phone call made.”
“This wasn’t his first threat, gentlemen,” Pops said more in passing.
“No, but his daughter answered the phone.” Francois narrowed his eyes.
